Archive for January, 2016

Homeowners are attracted to small homes for a variety of reasons. Some choose to build a small house plan because they are on a tight budget, others want to downsize from that five- bedroom, two-story home they bought when the kids were young, some live in urban areas where land is precious and lots are quite expensive, and others just prefer to live a simplistic lifestyle. Whatever the reason for building a small house plan, there are some features that will make it feel and live larger than its actual square footage. If you’re planning to build a small home, consider some of these elements to enhance its feel and livability. You’ll be making the most of your square footage while enjoying a spacious atmosphere.

Choose a floor plan with an open layout. An open floor plan minimizes the use of walls in the main gathering spaces making each room or space look and feel larger. The lack of walls separating individual spaces helps everyone feel connected instead of creating a boxy floor plan where one room is cut off from the other. An open floor plan promotes flexibility. If you’re entertaining, your guests can relax on the sofa and chat with those eating at the table without having to move from one room to another.

Look for tall ceilings. Consider a floor plan that offers volume ceilings in the living areas. Just like an open floor plan, tall ceilings eliminate the boxy feel sometimes found with small house plans. Instead they promote and open, airy atmosphere. From vaulted ceilings to two-story ceilings, the taller the ceiling, the more spacious your rooms will feel.

Choose a floor plan with outdoor living space. When building a small house plan, outdoor living spaces can greatly enhance the spacious feel of the home by extending the main living areas outdoors. Floor plans with a screened porch, deck, patio or covered porch provide additional, usable space for gathering and relaxing. They are ideal for entertaining offering another place for guests to gather without making your small home feel crowded.

Incorporate plenty of windows. Windows work wonders for small homes. Not only do they make your home feel not quite so confined by allowing a view of what is beyond the walls, but also, they allow natural light shine inside your home. Natural light promotes a bight and open feel while eliminating dark and shadowy corners. Just like volume ceilings, windows help eliminate the boxy feel sometimes found with small house plans. Try to include a few windows in every room of your home.

A small home doesn’t have to feel crowded or confined. With a few of these tricks, you can make your small house plan live large! Take some time to browse our collection of Small House Plans. We have plenty that offer open layouts, volume ceilings, outdoor living spaces and/or abundant windows.